Peace Country Pickleball Association to open 2025 season with memorial social tournament

TAYLOR, B.C. — Pickleball players around the Peace region will be hitting the courts for the season-opening tournament next weekend.

The second annual Corey Jonsson Memorial Tournament, organized by the Peace Country Pickleball Association (PCPA), will take over the Taylor courts during the first weekend of June, offering action in three divisions.

It is named after Jonsson, who was one of the first members of the PCPA when it was formed in 2019. With her partner Arlene Boon, Jonsson won the silver medal at the 2022 55+ BC Games in Victoria in pickleball doubles and a gold in mixed doubles with partner Dan Hogg.

She passed away in 2024, and PCPA past president Ted Euchner described her as a “fierce competitor.” Newly elected PCPA president April Bordeleau shared that sentiment.

“Corey was definitely well loved and a very active member of our local pickleball community,” said Bordeleau. “We’re trying to keep [this tournament] a really social community vibe.

“[This is] a social event to kick off our outdoor season.”

Similar to tennis, pickleball involves playing on a smaller court, with paddles instead of a racquet and a harder plastic ball.

What will make the tournament special is every entrant is put into a draw, with the partnerships throughout the weekend being randomly selected.

This allows some members to play with different partners and learn different playing styles, says Bordeleau.

“This year we’re mixing it up,” said Bordeleau. “I’ve been playing for at least two years now. It is a fun activity for all ages [and] levels.”

This tournament is open to PCPA members only, but Bordeleau says Kin Park sessions run by the City of Fort St. John are a great opportunity to take up pickleball or learn the game.

“If people do want to try it, come out,” said Bordeleau. “We have paddles. We have balls [and] lots of volunteers from the club.”

On Friday, June 6th, the tournament will kick off with a skills competition. Bordeleau said Jonsson’s mother, Annette Reeder, will be starting the tournament with a ceremonial serve.

Saturday, June 7th will feature mixed doubles, while Sunday’s competition will be based on men’s and women’s doubles action.

The Corey Jonsson Memorial pickleball tournament is open to PCPA members only, with entry fees at $30.

Those interested can register online.  The tournament begins on Friday, June 6th, at 6 p.m. on the Taylor pickleball courts, near Lone Wolf golf course at 9999 99th Avenue in Taylor.

More information can be found at the PCPA’s Facebook page.